National Dental Hygiene Awareness Month began in 2009, and it’s still just as important well over a decade later! If you are interested in showing your dental team how much you care, one of the best things you can do is implement a solid at-home oral hygiene routine. With this in mind, here are four oral care tips you can implement this October.
1. Commit to Flossing Daily
A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that roughly 33% of Americans never floss. If you’re one of them, it’s of the utmost importance that you implement this oral care habit ASAP. After all, brushing alone only cleans about 60% of the surface of your teeth!
Note: If you are feeling unmotivated because you’re still using traditional, string floss, try using an alternative, like a water flosser!
2. Brush for Two Full Minutes
Brushing twice a day is important, but you also need to use the right tools and be mindful of timing. In addition to using a fluoridated toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush, you should clean your teeth for a full two minutes each time. This will help ensure that all of the food particles, plaque, and other debris are thoroughly removed from your teeth.
3. Cut Back on Added Sugar
As you likely know, sugar is one of the leading causes of tooth decay. So, if you want to keep your teeth and gums in pristine condition, cutting back on your intake of added sugar is a great place to start. Instead of having sodas, ice cream, and other sweet treats daily, try incorporating lots of nutrient-dense foods into your diet, like fresh fruits and seasonal vegetables!
4. Schedule Your Next Dental Checkup and Cleaning
Remember, brushing and flossing alone isn’t enough to keep your smile happy and healthy; you need to visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning biannually as well! Since there are only a few months left of 2023, now is the best time to make sure your next visit is on the calendar – whether it’s the last one of this year or the first one of next year.
About the Practice
At Simply Dental of Lowell, we aim to help patients and their families with everything from routine checkups to last-minute emergency dental treatments. As a result, you can bring any questions you have to our team – whether it’s about which oral hygiene products you should use or how to floss properly. So, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team via our website or by phone at (978) 485-2929 if you have a question about your oral health or want to schedule an appointment!
